Penang Ferry Service

INTRODUCTION

The Penang Ferry Service is the oldest Ferry Service in Malaysia. The Penang Ferries are layered with rich history and cultural heritage. With its maiden journey in the 1920’s it has been in service since. The ferry service was operated by the Penang Harbour Board during the pre-independence era, but changed hands in 1956 and until now is managed by the Penang Port Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Penang Port Commission.
The difference between Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) and Penang Port Commission (PPC) is that PPSB deals more with providing of cargo, container, ferry and ancillary services. Whereas PPC deals with regulating port operations.
The Penang Port Sdn Bhd, a company fully owned by the Minister of Finance, on the 1st of January 1994 Penang Port Sdn Bhd took over all facilities and services from the Penang Port Commission. They were licensed by the Penang Port Commission to operate, manage and maintain all of the port facilities and services. The Penang Port Sdn Bhd, under the supervision of Corporate Service Units (CSU) and Strategic Business Units (SBU), are structured to run effectively and efficiently. And have been doing so for the past few years.
In the past the Penang Ferries were the only source of transportation to get to Penang Island. Steadily providing their services the Penang Ferries continue to do so up till now. Even the opening of the Penang Bridge in 1985 did not bring such a hindrance to the number of people using the ferries as a method of transportation.
There are 8 Ferries in its fleet. Each named after some of the many beautiful islands of Malaysia. Their names being Pulau Pinang, Pulau Payar, Pulau Talang Talang, Pulau Angsa, Pulau Rimau, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Undan. The “Pulau” in front translates to “Island” in the Malaysian language and the name of the island follows.

THE ESSENCE OF IT

The Penang Ferries transport their passengers between Butterworth (Penang Mainland) at Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim and Georgetown (Penang Island) at Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda. The Ferry takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cross the Straits of Malacca in reaching either destination. With the first ferry from Butterworth at 0600 hrs, the last ferry leaves from Butterworth at 0100 hrs. Whereas the first ferry of the day leaves from Georgetown at 0530 hrs and the last ferry from Georgetown leaves at 0030 hrs. The ferries travel in intervals of 20 minutes, 10 minutes, and 8 minutes depending on the time of day. The usual intervals are 10 to 8 minutes during the day and evening.
Originally all painted in betel nut orange, the ferries have undergone beautification and are colored in bright colors to have the ferries stand out more and to bring more life to these old warriors of the sea.
The Ferries also cater to a more bulky size of clientele, referring to the many motorcars and motorbikes that frequent the ferry. While the upper deck, is purely available for pedestrians, the lower deck houses motor vehicles ranging from Lorries through to Bicycles. This makes up the main two decks of the ferry. The uppermost level was used previously as a location for refreshment stands. But now the area is abandoned and is not used.
The boarding procedures are such that the motor vehicles excluding motor bikes are boarded first and fast under the guidance of the very efficient staff. The motor bikes follow suite. And after the destination is reached, The motor bikes which are parked at the stern remain while the other vehicles disembark and are then followed by the motor bikes.
The ferries in itself are not luxurious crafts designed to provide you with 5 star services, nor has much change been brought to it. It sets itself to be a never changing icon of its past; providing an experience of a much more sentimental value to those who board it. Take for example the unique passenger benches on the upper deck. These wooden seats can be switched manually to face the direction of the destination simply by flipping the shoulder rest. So even if your trip is to either Butterworth or Georgetown, you can face whichever direction you choose and enjoy the view.

As mentioned previously these aren’t luxurious ferries. So you would not come across facilities you might find in ferries in different parts of the world. But for a 15 minute trip everything you would need can be found on the ferry: Namely, a restroom for your relief during your time on board.
Those wondering about their safety can rest assured that they are well taken care of. All of the ferries are loaded with Lifejackets for its passengers. At the ports, rescue boats are ready for any emergencies that may occur. So breathe easy because your safety is considered at all times. And furthermore, chances of you facing any incidents during your journey are very rare.
While covering the distance between the Butterworth terminal and Georgetown terminal the scenery you have laid out takes out any worries you might have. The cool wind against your face as you look around and take in sights like the Penang Bridge, Penang Port and even the ever-changing scenery of downtown Georgetown. The Penang Bridge is one of the many attractions of around Penang. And it was by itself of great value to people in Penang for it provides a different mode of transportation. The bridge is also the one of the longest bridge in the world.
Penang port is the third largest container port in Malaysia. The many different containers and busy port add life to the breath-taking scenery. With its huge ships and sky-high loading and unloading cranes, it really adds on to the view. On the other side you see downtown GoergeTown, in all its hustle and bustle with its buildings rising tall. It all adds up for a sight not to be forgotten.
The Rates for the ferries are as follows and are charged from Butterworth to Georgetown only.
Bicycle: RM1.40
Motorcycle: RM2.00 (inclusive of passenger)
Trishaw/tricycle: RM3.30
Motorcar: RM7.70
Lorry (2 axle w/ 4 Wheel): RM13.20
Lorry (2X w/ 6 Wheel): RM27.50
For school children there are tickets available which are valid for one month which goes at the price of RM6 per month. For normal pedestrians it amounts up to RM30 for a validity period of 2 months. Disabled people can receive a special card for free, which enables them to travel with no fixed validity date.

My Opinion

Everything has both sides, and the Penang Ferry and the service it provides are no exception. The Penang ferry is an icon of heritage and history but there are issues that should be dealt with to make sure that it remains that way and that peoples experiences can be magnified.
One issue that all passengers know and complain of are the restrooms on the ferry and at the terminals. The strong odour and the hygiene levels are at such a low standard that most people would rather not use these facilities even though their need is overpowering. This may not seem to be such a big issue. But if one thinks about it, these are basic necessities and for them to be at least at an acceptable standard is logical. It could improve the outlook it has on the whole ferry service.
The ferry terminals could also do with a little renovation. The ferries can remain as they are frozen in time. But the facilities at the terminal could use a bit of touching up. As there are frequent visits from tourists and they come just for the nostalgic experience of the ferries it would not, in my opinion hurt the market but yet help increase its market.
Like I said there are two sides to a story. And in my opinion the ferries have been taken care of. I mean that they have been well preserved through the ages. And for a service that started in 1920’s the ferries are all sturdy safe and gives off an aura of rich history and provides a sentimental experience that is yearned for by both those native to the country and those that just visit.

PROMOTING PENANG FERRIES
There are many ways to tap into different markets and increase the current market. Let’s look at the internet, festivals and other promotional steps that can be undertaken to promote Penang Ferries to the outside world.
True there are few sites with one or two paragraphs about the ferries. And these are not official sites, but more like bloggers who have been touched by the experience. And not all of these information are accurate. In certain blogs, some provide information which are not up to date. And yet others have few misconceptions that the Penang Ferries are run by PPC and there are no information about PPSB. Even the PPSB and PPC sites provide next to nothing about the ferries. The same goes for official sites promoting Penang.
There could be more information provided about these ferries, their background, how they came to being and also how important they were to the people of Penang Island as they were the only method of transportation available at a certain period. There are tourists that study about a place they go to beforehand so they know what they are the places of interest. Where they can visit and where they can enjoy themselves. Why not add the Penang Ferries to the list of things to do if bound for Penang?
Other than providing information there are other ways to promote it. It doesn’t necessarily have to be just plain information on the internet. During the day that the ferry service started, every year something special can be done to celebrate the anniversary of these 8 ships that have shipped so many people so many times across the Malacca strait for so long. A celebration or a small festival could be held with fun activities and events, revisiting the history of these timeworn vessels that are bound forever in the history of Penang.

IN CONCLUSION
In conclusion the Penang Ferries are a source of rich history and can be promoted to increase its market and act as an important point of attraction next to the Penang Bridge. I hope the Ferries last for years to come and continue to carry out its role as an important icon in the Malaysian Tourism industry in regard to Penang and Peninsular Malaysia.